A BLACK LACQUER TWELVE-LOBED TIXI DISH MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY

the delicately lobed and rounded sides rising to a barbed rim divided into twelve brackets, resting on a short foot of corresponding form, finely carved through multiple layers of black and two layers of red, the interior centred on a four-lobed ruyi cloud, surrounded by three concentric bands of ruyi-shaped clouds, the exterior similarly carved with twelve ruyi heads

2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. 29.
Layered Beauty: The Baoyizhai Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2010, cat. no. 31.

There are typical age cracks to the interior and the underside of the dish, visible in the catalogue photo. There is a 10 cm. area of restoration and relacquering at the 6 to 7 o'clock position in the photo, concealing where it had previously been damaged. Other scratching and minor surface wear, chips and minor bruises to the footrim.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."